Update on Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport ISF Enforcement

On July 9, 2013, nearly 15 months ago, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) implemented an Importer Security Filing (ISF) Enforcement Strategy to improve ISF compliance. The ISF policy requires that all ISF information on the shipment bound for the U.S. is submitted to CBP 24 hours prior to lading on the vessel at the foreign port. To date, CBP at the Los Angeles/Long Beach (LA/LB) Seaport has been enforcing this policy, 48 hours prior to the vessel arriving at the port.

On October 1, 2014, the LA/LB Seaport will be increasing their enforcement posture for ISF no-file shipments. CBP will continue to place manifest holds on all cargo (full container loads and consolidated loads) that does not have an ISF on file, 72 hours before vessel arrival at the LA/LB Seaport. CBP will manually monitor the existing holds to ensure the ISF information has been filed.

Based on the ISF information filed, CBP will determine if the ISF information submitted warrants additional enforcements actions, to include Liquidated Damages for repeat offenders for not filing ISF information.

The trade community may contact CBP, via email at LALBATU@cbp.dhs.gov after vessel arrival to request a shipment status.

Flegenheimer would like to remind importers to send us complete and accurate ISF information. Please send it to us atleast 24 hours prior departure to avoid any holds and pentalties.